~ Day by day with RA …

Back in the saddle, again.

I felt somewhat unprepared for my rheumatologist’s appointment this morning. Like a lot of you who follow this blog, normally I have my list of symptoms and questions and concerns neatly organized (in my mind, if not physically on paper). Today I had nothing more than this premonition that she would recommend going back on the “big drugs” that I’ve been off since knee surgery. I did well on Mobic for several weeks, but lately the effect hasn’t been great and, given issues with my stomach, I stopped taking even that about 10 days ago.

The physical examination showed more joints that were swollen and tender than I had thought — particularly my feet. I didn’t have to tell her that it hurts to get out of bed in the morning.

So here’s the new drill: back on the Orencia and 10mg of Arava. Plus Celebrex. Plus a four-week course of 5mg of prednisone, tapering to a second four-week course of 2.5mg prednisone. Plus a steroid injection today. Plus Xrays of my feet.

Sigh.

I am counting my blessings. That I have a caring, compassionate rheumatologist who listens to her patients. That I have open access to excellent healthcare (the Xrays were a short walk down the hall). That I have good health insurance that permits me to pay for the healthcare and prescription drugs. That I have a good job that provides the insurance and the salary to pay for the deductibles.

However, I can’t help but feel a bit deflated. I really wanted something simple like Mobic to work. I didn’t want to be back on weekly injections that make me feel as much like a sick person as the disease itself. I didn’t want to go on prednisone with associated weight gain and complications — even though it will make me feel better. I didn’t want another pill — Celebrex — and the second pill (protonix to protect my stomach) in my arsenal of drugs I take every day.

I know. I sound like a whiney baby. It’s like I want to look like a super model, but I don’t necessarily want to diet and exercise. I want to feel good and stop hurting and stop the joint issues, but I don’t want to take the drugs. I guess being a grownup sometimes means doing those things you don’t want to anyway.

Mostly know that I am thankful for my blessings and for my friends (cyber and otherwise). Thanks for checking in.

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8 thoughts on “Back in the saddle, again.”

Aw, Carla. I was so hoping that the Mobic alone would take care of your pain (though I was concerned about your RA progressing unchecked). It’s hard to accept having to take handfuls of pills every day, morning and night; it’s hard to take pills that cause weight gain and puffiness. It’s hard to take a hypodermic needle in hand and inject yourself with it, even just once a week. You’re not whining, Carla. You’re being perfectly human. And yes, it’s sometimes the pits being a grown-up.

Here’s hoping that the medications you’re restarting will make you feel terrific. Stay cool and enjoy the summer days ahead!

Carla, your feelings are completely normal. I remember going off meds and going back. I felt exactly as you mention here. This whole RA business is not a fun one. I do however hope that you feel good soon. Thanks for sharing your update.

So, I’ve spent the last two days reading all of your posts. Yes, I’m newly diagnosed, and while I doubt we were seperated at birth( I’m only on husband #3 and hate coke zero) your voice was exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you so much for this blog. It is an extremely generous gift to have someone a few years further down the RA path share their thoughts and feelings and experiences in real time.

Carla. Thanks for the share. RA is a real challenge, and it’s a day-by-day challenge. That said…your positive attitude can affect your quality of life — even when the situation cannot change. Be Well, Peter